Saco residents will vote June 10 on a $32.9 million education budget, the first proposed since the city voted last year to withdraw from Regional School Unit 23.

Saco becomes a standalone district July 1, the same day the new budget takes effect. The budget allows the district to invest in technology and hire several teachers, but will have no impact on property taxes, according to district officials.

“It supports students and education while being sensitive to the taxpayers,” Interim Superintendent Mike Puslifer said.

Jason DiDonato, the district’s business manager, said there were some extra challenges in crafting the budget because it will be the first year as a standalone district. Some costs could not be ignored, including a $40,000 payment to RSU 23 to help set up a new central office in Old Orchard Beach, and startup costs to hire a superintendent and budget director, negotiate contracts and develop a budget.

“We needed to make sure all the parts were in place so the Saco School Department can function on its own,” DiDonato said.

The proposed budget includes several new positions, such as a literacy education technician at the Young School, an elementary school nurse and a part-time teacher at the C.K. Burns School for gifted and talented students.

An additional state subsidy of $197,000 allows the district to pay back the city of Saco for debt incurred during the RSU withdrawal process and increase the contingency fund.

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